Dhaka: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday visited Dhaka to personally convey India’s condolences following the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. During his visit, Jaishankar met her son, Tarique Rahman, and handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing solidarity with the bereaved family and the people of Bangladesh.
Jaishankar is in the Bangladeshi capital to represent India at the state funeral of Khaleda Zia, a towering political figure and three-time Prime Minister, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. His visit underscores New Delhi’s respect for her role in Bangladesh’s political journey and the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
According to officials, Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on a special flight and was received by senior Indian diplomatic representatives. The funeral ceremony is scheduled to be held at Manik Mia Avenue, where several foreign leaders, diplomats, and regional representatives are expected to attend to pay their final respects.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said that Jaishankar conveyed the sympathies of both the Indian government and its citizens, while also acknowledging Khaleda Zia’s contribution to democratic politics in Bangladesh. After the funeral prayers, she will be laid to rest with full state honours near the memorial of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.
